Their family owned a snow mobile business and a commerical fishing business.
Bro, you know how easy it is to claim you own a business? Look at me, I own a photography business.
I could fluff it up to make it sound like the next coming of Vogue. It wouldn't be hard.
International clients? Check.
Fortune 500 clients? Check.
Entertainment clients? Check.
Professional Sports (NFL, NHL) clients? Check.
Exclusive Corporate contract? Check.
Worldwide Stock Photo Supplier? Check.
Published work? Check.
Award winning work? Check.
Employ other people? Check.
etc..
The reality is it's nothing more than a hobby for me. One that pays well but most importantly offers me better non-payment benefits. But it really isn't hard to own a business and make it sound like something special.